C-Shaped Canal in Second Molar of Mandible among Cases of Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Tertiary Care Centres: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: C-shaped canal configuration is mostly found in the mandibular second molar. The morphological characteristic of a C-shaped canal is the presence of a fin or web connecting the individual canal, making it difficult for cleaning, shaping, and obturation. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of C-shaped canal in mandibular second molar among cases of Cone Beam Computed Tomography in tertiary care centres. METHODS: The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of conservative dentistry and endodontics of tertiary care centres from 20th June 2020 to 20th December 2020 after receiving ethical approval from the Nepal Health Research Council on 19 June 2020. Cone beam computed tomography images of 199 mandibular second molars with completely formed roots were used. Teeth with orthodontic braces, root resorption, root canal filling, and post were excluded from the study. The research was conducted taking a tooth as a unit. Convenience sampling was done. Statistical analysis was done by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. RESULTS: The prevalence of C-shaped canal according to this study is 25 (12.6%) (7.99-17.21 at 95% Confidence Interval). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study conclude that C-shaped configuration is quite frequent in mandibular second molar among cases of Cone Beam Computed Tomography. A careful preoperative radiographic evaluation may be helpful for diagnosing C-shaped configuration prior to root canal treatment.